Selective or discriminatory?

Selective or discriminatory?

My son is a student in San Jose, USA, and is a mature and
sensible person. He is Indonesian and wants to return to this
country when he graduates in two years time. His Indonesian
girlfriend had been saving for a short visit to go and see him,
had purchased her ticket with confirmed reservations, secured her
parents' reluctant "yes" and obtained two weeks holiday from
work, so that she could just spend two weeks of June in the
United States before returning and my son starting his summer
semester.

All was prepared and well until she went to the U.S. Embassy
in Jakarta to apply for a two-week tourist visa. Then all their
plans fell flat. Santi's application was rejected due to some
unclear reason like "her passport is new (?), she'll travel alone
(?)". Jakarta-LA on Garuda can't be all that difficult!

I encouraged her to try again thinking that there must be some
mistake and in the meantime Santi had received a recommendation
letter from her boss, a letter of invitation from my son, stating
where she would stay while in the U.S. and guaranteeing her
prompt return. He also enclosed his SS number and student card.
Santi in addition brought her bank account statement and all
other relevant documents.

The second try, however, was just as negative as the first and
Santi told me that the visa officer had not even cared to read
the material she brought. I called the U.S. Embassy once asking
for an explanation but received a less than friendly message that
I could write or call later, giving me the distinct impression
that I was probably wasting my own as well as everybody else's
time. Now, would somebody kindly explain to me the reason behind
two rejected applications for a simple tourist visa?

During my travels in Java and Bali I have met many, many young
American tourists -- male and female. Before I jump to any
conclusion like sexual discrimination or some "other"
discrimination with an ugly name, would some body in charge
please try to give a good reason why an Indonesian working,
mature female cannot go to the U.S. and visit a friend for two
weeks?

MRS. CONNY GAFAR

Jakarta